Cross-Post from SCHIZOPHRENIA LISTSERV ============================================================ Author : Mike Miller <[log in to unmask]> Subject : schizophrenia gene study: conflict of interest? Written : 02/02/97.06:26pm Aside from Freedman's exaggerations, two things I noticed in the news gave me reason to suspect that he might have a conflict of interest. There is at least an appearance of such. These two paragraphs are from the Associated Press report of 20 Jan 1997: Still, "it's an important step forward" that points to a potential new target for drug therapy, Gershon said. Indeed, while Freedman is searching for the mutation, he has begun working with drug companies to find treatments that target this receptor. The appended article is a PR announcement of SIBIA Neurosciences, released the day after the schizophrenia study was published. According to the report, SIBIA currently has collaborations with Eli Lilly and Company, Ciba (Novartis) and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. I don't know if Freedman has any connection with any of these companies. He might even be working as an unpaid volunteer with no stock options or holdings. I am not accusing anyone of anything. I'm just pointing out that things I've read make it appear that there may be a conflict of interest. I have no reason to suspect that such a conflict, if it existed, would have had any influence on the study or reports thereof. Mike -------------------------------------------------------------------------- SIBIA Neurosciences Issued Patent on Nicotinic Receptor Compound, SIB-1508Y, and its use in Treating Parkinson's Disease ----------------------------- LA JOLLA, Calif., Jan. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- SIBIA Neurosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq-NNM: SIBI) today announced that it has been issued U.S. Patent No. 5,594,011 on a series of compounds, including its lead compound SIB-1508Y, that modulate nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. The patent provides coverage for the composition of the compounds as well as their use for treating Parkinson's disease. SIB-1508Y, and the broader series of compounds, represent one of several new classes of compounds discovered by SIBIA that target specific human receptor subtypes in the brain. These receptor subtypes modulate communications between nerve cells and play a key role in a variety of neurological disorders. SIB-1508Y is selective for certain nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes that regulate the release of dopamine and acetylcholine, both relevant in the deficits caused by Parkinson's disease. SIBIA plans to commence a Phase I clinical trial of SIB-1508Y under an Investigational New Drug (IND) application recently filed with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Commenting on the patent, William T. Comer, Ph.D., SIBIA president and chief executive officer stated, "There is a growing body of scientific evidence establishing the link between certain nicotinic receptors and a variety of nervous system disorders, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. We believe SIBIA has one of the strongest technology positions relative to nicotinic receptors and ligands, and the issuance of this patent further establishes our proprietary position. With this new patent, we now have coverage on both the target receptor molecules as well as compounds that modulate them." SIBIA Neurosciences, Inc. is engaged in the discovery and development of novel, small molecule therapeutics for central nervous system disorders based on its unique approach to characterizing the molecular processes involved in such disorders. SIBIA is focusing its efforts on developing compounds for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, head trauma, epilepsy, chronic pain, schizophrenia and other disorders. The Company currently has collaborations with Eli Lilly and Company, Ciba (Novartis) and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. As a result, actual results could differ materially from those discussed herein. These risks and uncertainties include SIBIA's early stage of development, the new and uncertain state of SIBIA's technologies, SIBIA's future capital needs and the uncertainty of receiving additional funding, uncertainties regarding patents, proprietary rights and regulatory matters, and other research, development and market risks. These and other risks and uncertainties are more fully set forth in SIBIA's Prospectus included in its Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed in connection with its initial public offering, as well as in SIBIA's most recently filed Form 1O-Q. SOURCE Sibia Neurosciences Inc. -0- 01/22/97 /CONTACT: Michael J. Dunn, Vice President, Business Development of Sibia Neurosciences, 619-452-5892/ (SIBI) 0===================================================================0 | @..@ A.J. CONOVALOFF | | (----) "The Molokan Cyber-Cowboy" __o | | ( >__< ) PSP Support Groups of Arizona `\<, | | ^^ ~~ ^^ [log in to unmask] . . ..(*)/`(*) | 0===================================================================0